Trump Disputes Film’s Portrayal of His Start in New York City

Man in suit with striped tie speaking.

Donald Trump slams “The Apprentice” film as a “fake and classless” portrayal of his early career, sparking controversy and legal threats.

At a Glance

  • Trump criticizes “The Apprentice” film as a “politically disgusting hatchet job” after poor box office performance
  • The film depicts Trump’s rise in 1970s New York, focusing on his early career
  • Trump’s campaign threatens legal action, claiming the movie “sensationalizes lies”
  • The film grossed just over $1.5 million in its opening weekend despite a $16 million budget
  • Critics responded more favorably, with a 78% Rotten Tomatoes score

Trump’s Harsh Criticism and Legal Threats

Former President Donald Trump has launched a scathing attack on the biopic “The Apprentice,” which portrays his early career in New York City. Trump took to social media to express his displeasure, dubbing the film a “FAKE and CLASSLESS Movie” and questioning the filmmakers’ rights to use the title “The Apprentice.” His campaign has gone further, threatening legal action against the creators, claiming the movie “sensationalizes lies” and amounts to “malicious defamation.”

Trump’s criticism extends beyond the film’s content to its release timing. He has accused the filmmakers of attempting to damage his campaign by releasing the movie before the upcoming election, framing it as a politically motivated attack on his character and legacy.

Film’s Performance and Reception

Despite the controversy surrounding it, “The Apprentice” has struggled at the box office. In its opening weekend, the film grossed just over $1.5 million, a disappointing return on its $16 million budget. This weak performance seems to support Trump’s prediction that the movie would “bomb.” However, critical reception has been more positive, with the film earning a 78% score on Rotten Tomatoes and an 86% audience rating.

“A FAKE and CLASSLESS Movie written about me, called, The Apprentice (Do they even have the right to use that name without approval?), will hopefully ‘bomb,'” – Donald Trump on Truth Social

The film’s journey to the screen has been tumultuous. After receiving an eight-minute standing ovation at Cannes, it struggled to find a distributor until Briarcliff Entertainment secured the rights in August. This challenging path to release highlights the controversial nature of the subject matter and the polarized reactions it has inspired.

Controversial Content and Portrayals

“The Apprentice,” directed by Ali Abbasi and written by Gabriel Sherman, focuses on Trump’s rise in 1970s New York. The film stars Sebastian Stan as young Trump and Jeremy Strong as Roy Cohn, Trump’s mentor. It includes several controversial scenes and depictions that have drawn criticism from Trump and his supporters.

“My former wife, Ivana, was a kind and wonderful person, and I had a great relationship with her until the day she died,” – Donald Trump on Truth Social

One of the most contentious elements is a scene depicting an alleged rape of Ivana Trump, which she later recanted. The film also portrays Trump using amphetamines, referred to as “diet pills,” and undergoing cosmetic surgeries. These depictions, along with scenes of racially charged language and legal battles over alleged discriminatory practices, have fueled the debate surrounding the film’s accuracy and intent.

Impact and Ongoing Debate

The release of “The Apprentice” has reignited discussions about Trump’s early career and his rise to prominence in New York’s real estate world. While the film’s creators defend their work as a dramatic interpretation based on extensive research, Trump and his supporters view it as a deliberate attempt to smear his reputation and influence public opinion ahead of the election.

As the controversy continues to unfold, “The Apprentice” serves as a lightning rod for broader debates about media representation, political narratives, and the blurred lines between fact and fiction in biographical storytelling. Regardless of its box office performance, the film has already succeeded in sparking intense public discourse about Trump’s legacy and the power of cinematic portrayals in shaping public perception.

Sources:

  1. Trump Slams ‘The Apprentice’ Film As ‘Fake’ And ‘Classless’ After It Flops At Box Office
  2. Donald Trump Fumes Over “Fake and Classless” Biopic ‘The Apprentice’
  3. Trump Gives The Apprentice Film Free Publicity, Calling It “Cheap, Defamatory, and Politically Disgusting”

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